When a University of California at Los Angeles student, in a video she posted online, used a mock foreign language to imitate Asian students talking loudly in the library, she probably didn't think twice about it. But for many, that moment along with others in the video was yet another illustration of students' willingness to openly criticize their Asian peers.

The collateral consequence of scandal often is newfound celebrity, and for the 22-year-old call girl involved in the Eliot Spitzer scandal, prospects are rising. The prostitute identified in court papers as Kristen is an aspiring musician named Ashley Alexandra Dupre. Her identity was only first reported Wednesday, but already her fame is skyrocketing.

Cover songs cover all the bases. Some obliterate the originals (Jimi Hendrix's plunder of Bob Dylan's All Along the Watchtower); others massacre them (American Idol reject William Hung's deplorable take on Ricky Martin's She Bangs). Lately, artists have been filling entire albums with retooled tunes. USA TODAY's music critics review an eclectic cross section.